Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3974, Meshack Gentry, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N C
Gentry, Meshack
R 3974
Born in Va
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for notes
Blank lined area for notes

33.897 Meshack Gentry Semiper
39.74

State of Tennessee 5 On the 29. day of August 1836, person Monroe County 3 ally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Charles J. Keith Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit of the State of Ten- -nessee now sitting in said County of Monroe Messack Bentry re- -sident in said County of Monroe aged eighty eight years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in Order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. - That he entered the service of the United States as a Captain of a Company of mounted Riflemen at Cadwell Court House in the County of Cadwell in the State of North Carolina in the month of November (precise day not recollec- -ted) in the year 1779 in the Regiment Commanded by Col.
Hifer in the Brigade Commanded by Genl William Davidson; - that he continued during his service in the Command of said mounted Riflemen; - that William Johnston was the first Lieu- -tenant of said Company; - the other subaltern officers of the Company not recollected. That Declarant with his Company was frequently de- -tailed upon duty, and performed service for short intervals under other officers, but was most generally in service in Col. Hifer's Regi- -ment. That he was in the detachment Commanded by Col. Wash- -ington, that surprised and took the British by stratagem at Ridgely's Mill in the month of Decr. 1780, - That he was in the engagement with the British at the Hanging Rock, and in the battle at the Straw Springs under Genl Greene; that he was in several skirmishes with the British; - That during his service he marched through a great portion of both North and South Carolina; that Declarant was constantly in service from the time he joined the army in Nov. 1779 until the 15 th Nov. 1781. (having been at least two full years in service) when he was regularly discharged at Hillsborough in North Carolina; - That Declarant received a discharge, which with his Commission he has long since lost. Declarant has no documentary evidence of of his said service, and knows of no proof he can produce of his service except the testimony contained in the subjoined certificate. Declarant is aged and infirm and from defect of memory is unable to give a more full or satisfactory account of his service; but hopes it will be sufficient to procure for him the liberal provision, which

has been generously made by the laws of the Country for the aged soldiers who has fought his battle, and aided in securing his freedom and independence. - Declarant was born in the County of Louisa in the State of Virginia; When four years of age he was removed by his parents to Lunenburgh Va., where he resided until he was 25 years of age; - He then removed to Camden County North Carolina.
A few years after the close of the Revolutionary war Declarant removed to the County of Surry N. C. where he resided until the year 1818. He then removed to Greene County Tenn., where he resided two years; - then to Rhea County Tenn. where he resided two years; - then to McMinn County Tenn. where he resided two years. - then to Monroe County Tenn. where he now resides. Declarant hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension, or an annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any State or Territory in the United States.
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court August 29 th 1836
Meekack. his Bentry mark
E. W. Bear Clerk
John Sims resident in the County of Monroe in the State of Tennessee doth on his oath certify, that he is acquainted with Meekack Bentry, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing declaration; - that he believes him to be a man of truth and entitled to credit. Affiant served in the war of the Revolution in North & South Carolina against the British and Tories; - While in service under Genl. Davidson Affiant recollects that a man of the same name of Declarant commanded a Company of Mounted Riflemen in Col. Fifer's Regiment, but was not then acquainted with him; From conversations with Declarant since his late years become acquainted with him affiant is fully convinced he is the same man, who commanded said Company, and feels well assured from the incidents of the Revolutionary war in North & South Carolina related by him, that he served as stated by him in his declaration.
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court Augt. 29 th 1836.
John his Sims mark
E. W. Bear Clerk
The undersigned _____ a Clergyman, and John Sims, Henry Tucker, Elias Huddleston, Charles Hays and James Curtis _____ resident in Monroe

County in the State of Tennessee Certify On Oath, that they are acquainted with Meshack Gentry, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Declaration, that they believe him to be a man of truth and entitled to Credit; that he is eighty eight years of age, and that he served in the war of the revolution as stated in his declaration; that he is generally respected, and beloved in the neighborhood in which he lives, for he has been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that Opinion from the information we have received from others, Sworn to and subscribed in open Court August 29 th 1836
John McElroy Henry Tucker
E. H. Wear Clerk
James W. Shett Charles H. Gentry James C. Gentry
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant, was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states; - And the Court further Certify, that it satisfactorily appears that _____ who has signed the foregoing Certificate is a Clergyman President in Monroe County Tenn. and is a credible person, and that John McElroy Henry Tucker Charles H. Gentry and James C. Gentry
who have also signed the same are residents in the County of Monroe in the State of Tennessee, and that they are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to Credit.
Charles F. Smith Judge President
I, Erskine H. Wear Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Monroe in the State of Tennessee do hereby Certify, that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Meshack Gentry for a pension. - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed seal having no seal of office August 29 th 1836.
E. H. Wear Clerk

am Meshack Gentry, R. #3,974.
In an application for pension executed August 29, 1836, at which time he was a resident of Monroe county, Tennessee, Meshack Gentry alleged that he was born in Louisa county, Virginia (date not stated) and was appointed at Caswell Court House, Caswell county, North Carolina, in November, 1779, Captain of a company of Mounted Riflemen under Colonel Fifer in the North Carolina troops; was in the battles of Rugley's Mill, Hanging Rock and Mutaw Springs; served two years.
His claim was rejected on the ground of his failure to furnish proof of his commission as Captain and service in the North Carolina militia.

1987 Feby. 7. Hist. to Hon. E.C. Ellis letter in S. 7. 3391 Claiborn Gentry
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REPEATED
3974
P. O.
Service:
Weslacker Gentry
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Jan. 19. 1853
Rec. of Case of Michael Ben-
Case of Hon. J. S. Reckless 1st Rep.
A. G. Collins
C. Heath
Reserve of - Division Washington D.C.

Meshack Gentry Tennessee suspended
Ex 12 Oct 36
J. P. Gillespie let 27 Oct 41 to Hon. J. L. Williams
let to Hon. W. M. Cooke March 21 1846.
let to L. B. True April 12 '47
let to Hon. W. M. Cooke
July 10 th 1848.
Hon. A. S. Watkins May 20/53
same May 27 1853
Act 7 June 1852

Masack Gentry Act '32
Rufus
Tempece

Will Mr Cole permit me to look at the papers in the case of Malachi Gentry - Act June 7. 1832 Suspended case - Tennessee - I will file my authority when I come to the office to-morrow. Sept. 29. 1833. & oblige W. Cleary

Dec 27/52. Ret. to chm. of Meshac Century, Tenn.
A. G. Watkins
Hon Jas E. Heath - Comm. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Knoxville 18th Oct. 1841
Dear Sir:—
In 1836, a Mr. Fronts prepared a declaration for an old man of the name of Gentry. A letter from you, dated Oct. 12th, 1836, states that it was not specific enough. It is now ascertained that the most ample proof of Gentry's service, can be made. It is believed the old man rendered the service & the proof is in Kentucky. He wishes to withdraw his declaration & obtain other proof. Can he withdraw it?
Yr ob. serv't—
J. Williams
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Washington City D.C. Septm 14. 1852
A. D. Gentry
Madisonville Tennessee
Dear Sir
In reply to yours of the Septm, I have to state that until I have received your power of attorney according to the form sent you. There is no necessity of your coming to Washington for if I am successful you will draw the pay money; and pay me one half & if not it will not cost you anything
Yours truly
F. E. Hasker
P.S.
As regards your remark of the uncertainty of agents in this City I would recommend your writing to the Hon Simon Boyd at Paducah Kentucky touching me -

BANKING HOUSE C. H. MONSARRAT & CO.,
No. 488 MAIN STREET.
Dealers in all kinds of Current and Uncurrent Money, American & Foreign Gold & Silver, Bills of Exchange, Promissory Notes, &c.
Also, give prompt attention to the Collection of Claims against the Government of the United States, such as Revolutionary Pensions due the Soldiers, widows, and heirs of revolutionary officers and privates, Extra Pay, Bounty Land, &c.
REFER TO
Selden, Withers & Co., bankers, Washington City. R. Johnston & Co., bankers, Philadelphia. A. J. Wheeler, banker, Cincinnati. Hon. Jas. Jones, M. C., Tenn. Hon. W. T. Ward, M. C., Ky. Hon. Addison White, M. C., Ky.
John Thompson, banker, Wall street, New York. Greenway & Co., bankers, Baltimore. S. A. Fletcher, banker, Indianapolis, Ia. Hon. J. R. Underwood, M. C., Ky. Hon. Ben. Edwards Gray, M. C., Ky. &c., &c.
J. J. Coombs, Esq., formerly Chief Clerk in Pension Office, F. F. C. Triplett, Esq., late Chief Clerk of Pension Office, are associated with us in the prosecution of Claims, and all those entrusting business to our care may rely upon having it attended to punctually.
Meshack Gentry Esq., Louisville, Ky., Dec 1 st 1852. Dear Sir
We think you are entitled to a pension on account of your military services in the Revolution. Should you wish to give us control of the case please sign the enclosed Power of Attorney and acknowledge the same before a Justice of the Peace. Then return it to us by mail. This will enable us to settle the claim at Washington and receive a certificate payable to your order. The money does not pass through our hands. We will undertake your case at our own risk and expense and promise to use due diligence in the prosecution of the same and if necessary send our agent into your county to complete the papers.
Please write us
If Mr. [blank] is dead the widow or children will please sign
G. H. Monserrat & Co. By W. Ramsay,

Dr Camp

Washington D.C. April 9/47 Dr. Compst
Sir: Will you have the politeness to submit for my Examination the Declaration on file in your Office in the Matter of Meshac Gentry of Tennessee to which I am referred for all information with respect to the nature & particulars of his services in the war of the Revolution
The object of this request is in obedience to the desire of Claim- ant, to furnish Documentary Evi- dence in support of his claim Meshac Gentry died 4 th July 1846
I have the honor to be Sir: Most Obediently yrs
L. B. Sime
Dr Compst Chf Clerk War Off
P.S. His Son is now the Claimant to act as above for him as such Dr Compst present yrs L. B. Sime

No of Reps.
June 26 th 1848.
Sir
Permit me to call your attention to the accompanying letter from Mr Allen D. Gentry. Will you be so kind as to inform as to the condition of the case to which he refers.
Very respectfully
Your obedt Servt.
H. H. Locke
Col James. L. Edwards

Col. O. L. Edwards

House of Reps March 10 th 1876.
Sir.
Mr Michael Gentry a constituent of mine was an applicant some years ago, for the benefit of the pension laws, you will please inform me what additional evidence is required to establish the claim.
Very respectfully
your O.W. Servt.
H. M. Brooks
J. L. Edwards.

Oct 27. 1841.
St. Williams M.C.
J. S. Edwards by
in ab Jem
Comm. Pension
Washington D.C.

Oct 10
Madisonville In 1st act
Dear
Free
Hon. Davis (C) Secy of War Pension office Dept. Washington City.

Madisonville Monroe County Tenn. Sept 28 th 1856.
Any communication from the war Department in reference to the enclosed application addressed to me at this place will be attended to by me in behalf of the applicant.
John F. Gillispie